Rune Categories
Rune masters divide the runes into categories depending upon
their use. Some runes are more practical, while others are more
protective. The following are examples of the different rune
categories:
Alerunes-These runes are used for protection in both the physical and
spiritual realms. Rune masters employed alerunes for binding and con-
straining spirits and for warding off harm. These runes are Ansuz,
Laguz, and Uruz. Alerunes were used to block enchantments by writing
them on the back of hands and on drinking cups. Naudhiz was then
scratched on the fingernail to activate the alerune power.
Biargrunes-Related to the birch, these runes call upon Berchta,
the goddess of childbirth, to ensure a safe birth. Used not only
by expectant mothers, biargrunes also protect babies after they
are born. The primary biagrune is Berkana, symbolizing new
beginnings.
Brunrunes-Weather magic runes that related to sailing, farming,
and hunting were utilized to anticipate and control foul weather.
"Surf runes" or "fountain runes" connect you with the powers of
water flowing in teh seas as well as in springs, rivers, streams,
and lakes. They were cut on amulets and charms to control the ocean
waves. Vikings also carved them on the stern, rudder, or steering
oars of their ships as protection on long voyages.
Hugrunes (Hogrunes)-Runes of the mind, hugrunes are named for one
of Odin's companion ravens, Hugin (memory). Traditionally written
on the chest and other parts of the body, Kenaz (guidance), Algiz
(divine inspiration), Mannaz (memory and mental ability), and Ansuz
(inspiration) are hugrunes of thought, cognition, communication, and
intellectual abilities. Those who employed these runes were made the
wisest of all. They are powerful devices for mental concentration in
the Northern Tradition.
Limrunes-Healers used limrunes, which drew upon the healing energies
of trees, to cure the sick and restore health. In the past, limrunes
were carved into the south face of trees.
Malrunes-These runes enhance memory, mental ability, and speech.
Stemming from the word mal, which means speech, they are found in
the title of many Norse texts such as the "Havamal." The power of
malrunes is accessed through the spoken and written word. Used in
the word-magic of poetry and magical invocation, a malrune is any
rune whose magic can be accessed by speaking, singing, or chanting.
Effective in all places where words are important, especially in
legal actions, malrunes were written on walls, chairs, furniture,
and pillars.
Ramrunes-Used magically, ramrunes are empowered by magical ritual.
Named after the male sheep, these are runes of strength and power
Sigrunes-Used to gain success and victory, these runes embody the
solar energies of the Sowilo rune, and were often marked on tools,
clothing, weapons, and musical instruments. When writing these runes,
do the "Hammer sign" twice to invoke the god Thor.
Swartrunes-These are black runes, and are used to speak with the dead.
Trollrunes-Used in divination, trollrunes help bring you in touch
with otherwordly realms. The ancient teachings said that prophecy
originated with the trolls, who could foretell the future. As earth
spirits, trolls represented the elements in nature. Trollrunes are
used in enchantments.
Traditional Runic Practices
Buildings With Runes
Runes As Alphabets
Writing Runes
Secret Runes
Bindrunes
The Runes
Elder Futhark's Three Aettir
Rune Interpretations
Divination With Runes
Rune Meditation Techniques
Rune Dreaming Techniques
The Magical Uses of Runes
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